Many beef farmers will struggle to survive the immediate impact of a disorderly Brexit without support, according to Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.

Speaking at a meeting of EU agricultural ministers in Brussels, the Minister said such an outcome would have a negative effect on both the Irish and UK economies, with the agri-food sector, and beef especially, uniquely affected.

He impressed upon his European counterparts that if Irish beef lost its competitive position in the UK market, there would be knock-on consequences for all of Europe. He said there would be significant displacement of beef to elsewhere in the EU.

The need to protect the EU beef sector in trade discussions with Mercosur, against the background of the significant uncertainty arising from Brexit, was also highlighted.

Support

Minister Creed reiterated that the EU stood ready to support farmers: “Ireland is fortunate to be part of a union that has had the foresight to put in place a suite of measures to support primary producers at times of significant market disruption.

“The full suite of measures under the Common Market Organisation Regulation will be required, including the more traditional market support measures, and the exceptional measures provided for under the 2013 reform, in order to provide a targeted measure to provide vital liquidity on family farms facing an unprecedented challenge.”

Bilateral meetings

Minister Creed met with European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan, where further discussions took place on farmers’ requirements following meetings at official level last week.

While in Brussels, meetings were also held with the French Minister for Agriculture Didier Gullaume about the importance of lairage capacity at Cherbourg in maintaining live exports from Ireland.

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